Watching what you eat isn’t only important because it keeps your weight under control and improves your overall health – studies show that your diet also plays a prominent role in your periodontal health. Nutrition, along with several other factors, helps your body maintain resistance to periodontal disease, an infectious disease that affects your gums and teeth.

 

Nutrition affects the normal growth, development, and maintenance of gum tissue. If you have healthy gum tissue, periodontal disease-causing bacteria will not be able to cause problems. On the other hand, without proper nutrients, your body will have a hard time fighting off periodontal disease and other infections.

 

Nutritional deficiencies can increase your risk for developing periodontal disease by affecting the defense mechanisms of your gum tissue and saliva. For example, if you have a vitamin C, zinc, calcium or folic acid deficiency, you are more susceptible to the bacteria that cause gum disease. Smokers with low vitamin C intake are at even greater risk of gum disease.

 

 

Your Woodinville periodontist can help you detect nutritional deficiencies. Some signs and symptoms of nutritional deficiencies include bleeding gums without the presence of gum disease, oral ulcerations, and soreness, tingling or burning of the tongue. If your Woodinville periodontist suspects that you have a nutritional deficiency, he may refer you to a dietician or doctor to prevent serious health consequences.

 

It’s particularly important to pay close attention to nutritional intake before and after periodontal surgery because of the role that nutrition plays in wound healing, strengthening immune response, and preventing infections. Before and after periodontal surgery, ensure that your diet consists of adequate amounts of zinc, protein, and vitamins A and C.

 

 

In order to prevent periodontal disease, it’s essential to practice good oral hygiene and have a healthy diet that provides adequate amounts of all essential nutrients. It’s also necessary to avoid consuming an excessive amount of sugary foods and drinks, which can cause tooth decay and negatively impact your periodontal health.

 

Consume an array of nutrient-rich foods from the basic food groups while limiting your intake of sugar, salt, alcohol, cholesterol, and fat (saturated and trans). Eat many different types of fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grain products. Additionally, consume low-fat or fat-free dairy products. A study published in the Journal of Periodontology showed that the routine intake of dairy products may help to improve periodontal health. Of the subjects analyzed in the study, those who regularly consumed milk, cheese, and yogurt had a lower instance of gum disease.

 

In addition, vitamin D helps to decrease the inflammation associated with gum disease. Foods that are rich in vitamin D include milk, eggs, tuna, and sardines. Moderate exposure to sunlight can also provide your body with a healthy amount of vitamin D.

 

If you’re concerned about your periodontal health or would like to schedule a routine cleaning and check-up to ensure that your gums are in good shape, contact Woodinville and Bothell periodontist Dr. Terry L. LaBell to set up an appointment. Call 425.402.1246 or fill out our online contact form to get in touch.